The Fabric FilesWhat your clothes are actually made of

Quick answers

Direct answers to the questions readers ask most.

Is cotton or polyester better for everyday clothes?

Cotton for breathability and feel against skin; polyester for durability, stretch recovery, and price. Blends split the difference.

Why do sweaters pill, and can you prevent it?

Pilling is loose fiber ends tangling under friction. Longer fibers and tighter knits pill less; a fabric shaver fixes what forms.

What does GSM mean in fabric?

Grams per square meter - fabric weight. Higher GSM means thicker, more durable fabric; for tees, 180-220 is the quality zone.

Are linen wrinkles a defect?

No - wrinkling is intrinsic to flax fiber. It is the accepted texture of linen, and only sharp creases at seams need pressing.

What does momme mean in silk?

Momme (mm) is silk's weight unit - 19-25 momme is durable for shirts and pillowcases; below 16 is delicate.